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Final, 1-0 Germany: It’s over at the Maracana. Germany has defeated France and is moving on to the 2014 World Cup semifinals.

There was nothing flashy or overpowering about Germany’s victory over France. The Germans turned in an academic performance and simply did what they had to do in order to move on to the next round.

Germany controlled play for the first 45 minutes, but the second half belonged to France. “Les Bleus” were the aggressors throughout, and they created a host of scoring chances with their positive play. But Germany’s battle-hardened defenders, particularly Hummels, and superstar goalkeeper Neuer stopped France in its tracks.

And so ends France’s 2014 World Cup dream. “Les Bleus” and head coach Didier Deschamps deserve credit for banishing the disastrous 2010 World Cup and chaotic Euro 2012 to the trash-bin of history. France gained popularity for its balanced and exciting playing style at the 2014 World Cup, but it went as far as the level of its talent could reasonably expect to take it.

Meanwhile, Germany is moving on to the last four of the 2014 World Cup. Although it hasn’t won the World Cup since 1990, “Die Mannschaft” has an unrivaled track record of putting itself in position to do so.

4 – #GER are the first team to reach the #WorldCup semi-finals in four consecutive tournaments. Standard.

Germany will play either Brazil or Colombia in the World Cup semifinal on Tuesday.

That’s all for now, and thanks for joining us. Let’s discuss this one on Twitter @NESNsoccer and Facebook. Be sure to keep an eye out for some news, fan reactions, analysis and opinion that is on the way on NESN.com.

90th minute +2, 1-0 Germany: France misses with what is probably its last, best chance to score.

It’s the first yellow card of a game, which has been played in a good spirit. There haven’t been many, if any, unnecessarily tough challenges. They’ve been fair for the most part. It could be why the referee hasn’t played a big part in the spectacle (which is always a good thing).

52nd minute, 1-0 Germany: France opens the second half vigorously, but it needs more quality in the final third to create an undeniable scoring chance.

46th minute, 1-0 Germany: The second half is underway.

France can take some positives from the first half, but it must improve its possession in the second period.

6 - Paul Pogba completed 6 of his 7 dribbles in the first half of #FRA - #GER, the most of all players. Surge.

Halftime, 1-0 Germany: That’s the end of the first half. Germany leads by one at the break.

Germany is continuing its trend of doing well enough to reach the next step without excelling overall. France has made it difficult for Germany to create chances in its half, but Germany converted its best chance.

France had more quality scoring chances in the first 45 minutes. France is exploiting the space behind Germany’s high defensive line, but Neuer and Hummels have been heroes so far.

5 - Karim Benzema has made 5 shots during the first half, one more than #GER (4). Vain.

Kroos delivered the free kick to the perfect spot inside the France penalty area, as it was nearly impossible for Lloris to leave his line and intercept it. Hummels still had to out-duel Varane for the header. The Germany defender showed strength and poise with a header that glanced off the crossbar and went in the goal.

Griezmann chipped a pass to Benzema inside the Germany penalty area, but the France striker volleyed his shot wide.

Sixth minute, 0-0: Germany has all the possession so far and is trying to push all 10 field players into France’s half.

But Germany hasn’t created much danger, as France is maintaining its poise even when pinned into its own third of the final.

First minute, 0-0: The 2014 World Cup quarterfinal between France and Germany is underway.

Kickoff: The anthems are set to begin.

France-Germany will include a matchup of two of the best goalkeepers in the world, as Hugo Lloris and Manuel Neuer man the goals for their respective countries.

Lahm moves back to his natural position at right back. The Germany captain has played all four of his team’s 2014 World Cup games as a defensive midfielder.

Hummels returns to the starting 11 after missing the Algeria game with flu-like symptoms. While the German center back is healthy, as many as seven of his teammates are suffering from a similar ailment, according to Germany head coach Joachim Low.

Klose is a surprise starter for Germany. The 36-year-0ld striker will become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with his next goal.

11:30 a.m. ET: The quarterfinals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup begin Friday when France and Germany, two of world soccer’s big shots, face off at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janiero.

France thrilled fans with its high-powered attack in the tournament’s early games, but “Les Bleus” have taken a more balanced and patient approach as the stakes have grown. France demonstrated the benefits of patience and focus when it defeated Nigeria in the Round of 16 to set up a meeting with Germany.

Germany was one of the pre-tournament favorites to win the 2014 World Cup, but it has yet to hit its highest gear. Germany handily won Group G but nearly became a victim of an upset when Algeria took it to extra time in the Round of 16. Germany is looking to realized its true potential against France.

It’s the first time these two countries have met in a major international tournament since 1986. A place in the 2014 World Cup semifinal is on the line.

The game kicks off at noon. Stay right here for all the action from the Estadio do Maracana.